Overview

Capture Only is a legacy transaction method available within the Authorize.net gateway. It is designed for merchants who have already obtained an authorization code directly from a card-issuing bank and do not require Authorize.net to obtain one on their behalf. This transaction type initiates the funds transfer process using that externally obtained authorization code.

This article applies to merchants using Authorize.net who need to submit a Capture Only transaction via the Virtual Terminal, Application Programming Interface (API), or website integration.

This article does not apply to standard authorization and capture workflows processed entirely through the Authorize.net gateway.

Important: Capture Only is a legacy method with limited processor support and restricted account access. Review all applicability and exclusion details before attempting to use this transaction type.

What Is a Capture Only Transaction?

A Capture Only transaction is used when a merchant has already received a verbal authorization code directly from a card-issuing bank — typically a five- or six-character alphanumeric code — and needs to submit that code to initiate the funds transfer through Authorize.net.

This scenario most commonly occurs when a merchant calls the card-issuing bank directly to obtain authorization, bypassing the standard gateway authorization process.

Note: Because this process bypasses a standard security measure, your Merchant Service Provider (MSP) may charge a slightly higher discount rate for Capture Only transactions.

Processor Exclusions

The Capture Only transaction type is not supported for the following processor:

• Elavon
• Global

Access Limitation

Starting from May 2026, the Capture Only transaction method is restricted and is not automatically activated on Authorize.net accounts. Access is provided individually based on each case.

If you need to use the Capture Only transaction method, reach out to Authorize.net support and submit a case explaining your particular reason for requiring this transaction type, details below.

If you try to perform a capture only transaction without the necessary permission, the transaction will fail and you will receive the error: 67 - Capture Only transactions are not permitted for this processor.

Requesting Capture Only Access

To request Capture Only access, follow these steps: 

1. Sign in to the Support Center.
2. Click Contact Us at the top of the account.
3. Click Support Center.
4. Select General Case from the Support Case drop-down menu and complete the online form.
5. Provide details in the case explaining why Capture Only transaction type is needed, including:
   • What software or website you are using (if any) and why that system requires Capture Only to be enabled.
   • Your business type and model.
   • A detailed explanation of why you need this service enabled.
6. Submit the form for review.

Once submitted, your request for Capture Only will be reviewed and either approved or rejected based on the information provided. There is no guarantee of enablement. Requests may take several days to review. If enabled, access will be granted and will be communicated in the response to your request.

For information on how to submit a support case, see: Merchant Support Cases FAQ

Capturing Funds for a Transaction

If you have already obtained an authorization code directly from a card-issuing bank and need to capture funds through the Authorize.net Virtual Terminal, follow the steps below.

Prerequisites

• Confirm that Capture Only access has been enabled on your account.
• Confirm that your processor supports the Capture Only transaction type (Elavon is excluded).
• Have your externally obtained authorization code ready before beginning.

Steps - Classic Experience (1.0)

1. Sign in to the Merchant Interface.
2. Click Tools from the main toolbar.
3. Select Virtual Terminal from the left side menu.
4. Choose Capture Only as the Transaction Type.
5. Enter the required transaction information. The following fields are mandatory:
   • Transaction Amount
   • Credit Card Number
   • Credit Card Expiration Date
   • Authorization Code
6. Click Submit.

Note: Capture Only transactions can also be submitted through the File Upload, Authorize.net API or website integration in addition to the Virtual Terminal.

Steps - New Experience (2.0)

1. Sign in to the Merchant Interface.
2. Be on or toggle to New Experience (2.0)
3. Click on Payments in the left navigation.
4. Then click Accept Payment
5. Select the Payment Method Type
6. Choose Capture Only as the Transaction Type.
7. Enter the required transaction information. The following fields are mandatory:
   • Transaction Amount
   • Credit Card Number
   • Credit Card Expiration Date
   • Authorization Code
8. Click Charge.

Note: Capture Only transactions can also be submitted through File Upload, Authorize.net API or website integration in addition to the Virtual Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Capture Only transaction and when should I use it?
  • A Capture Only transaction is used when you have already obtained a verbal authorization code directly from a card-issuing bank and need to submit that code through Authorize.net to initiate the funds transfer. It is not used for standard transactions where Authorize.net obtains the authorization on your behalf.
• How do I get access to the Capture Only transaction type?
  • Capture Only is not automatically enabled on your account. As of May 2026, access is limited and granted on a case-by-case basis. Contact Authorize.net support and provide details about your need for this transaction type to request access.
• Is Capture Only available for all processors?
  • No. Capture Only is not supported on Elavon and Global.
• Will I be charged more for using Capture Only transactions?
  • Because Capture Only bypasses a standard security measure in the authorization process, your Merchant Service Provider (MSP) may charge a slightly higher discount rate for these transactions. Check with your MSP for specific rate details.
• What information do I need to submit a Capture Only transaction?
  • You will need the following: Transaction Amount, Credit Card Number, Credit Card Expiration Date, and the Authorization Code obtained directly from the card-issuing bank.
• Can I submit a Capture Only transaction through the API or my website integration?
  • Yes. In addition to the Virtual Terminal, Capture Only transactions can be submitted through File Upload, Authorize.net API or website integration.
• What is a verbal authorization code?
  • A verbal authorization code is a five- or six-character alphanumeric code provided directly by a card-issuing bank when a merchant contacts the bank by phone to obtain authorization for a transaction outside of the standard gateway process.

Glossary

• API (Application Programming Interface): A set of protocols and tools that allows software applications to communicate with each other. In this context, it refers to the Authorize.net API used to submit transactions programmatically.
• MSP (Merchant Service Provider): A company that provides payment processing services to merchants, including the management of transaction fees and discount rates.
• Virtual Terminal: A browser-based interface within the Authorize.net Merchant Interface that allows merchants to manually enter and submit payment transactions.